2023 Ohio Wheat Performance Test

M.W. Hankinson, J.S. McCormick, A.B. Geyer, C.H. Sneller, L.E. Lindsey, Dept. of Horticulture & Crop Science
P. Paul, Dept. Of Plant Pathology
D.G. Lohnes, Information Technology Services
Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center / Ohio State University Extension

The purpose of the 2023 Ohio Wheat Performance Test is to evaluate wheat varieties, blends, brands, and breeding lines for yield, grain quality, and other important performance characteristics. This information gives wheat producers comparative information for selecting the varieties best suited for their production system and market. Varieties differ in yield potential, winter hardiness, maturity, standability, disease and insect resistance, and other agronomic characteristics. Selection should be based on performance from multiple test sites and years.

EVALUATION PROCEDURES

Each entry was evaluated at five test sites using four replications per site in a randomized complete block design. Plots consisted of 7 rows, 7.5 inches apart and 25 feet long. Participating companies specified the seeding rate used for each of their varieties. Test sites were planted within 21 days of the fly-free date. Approximately 30 lb N/acre was applied at planting followed by the addition of 80-100 lb N/acre in early spring. Herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides were applied as needed. Soybean was the previous crop and fields were minimally-tilled at all locations. The following data were collected:

Yield is reported in bushels per acre at 13.5% moisture.

Test Weight is reported in lb/bushel averaged across all locations.

Seed Size is thousands of harvested seeds per pound (Ex: 15.5 = 15,500 seeds per lb.).

Lodging is the percent of plants that lean more than 45° from vertical.

Plant Height is the distance in inches from the soil surface to the top of the heads.

Heading Date was the average calendar day of the year on which 50% of the heads were completely emerged. Average of Wood and Pickaway locations. (Example: Day 135 = May 15.)

Stagonospora Leaf and Glume Blotch Stagonospora levels were low; thus, resistance classes were not assigned. In Table 4, we present flag leaf and glume severity as a percentage.

Powdery Mildew (PM) Varieties were evaluated for Powdery mildew at Wooster at the heading (Feekes growth stage 10.5) growth stage. Varieties were classified as Susceptible, Moderately Susceptible, Moderately Resistant, and Resistant.

Flour Yield is the percent flour yield from milled whole grain.

Flour Softness is the percent of fine-granular milled flour. Values higher than approximately 50 indicate kernel textures that are appropriate for soft wheat. Generally, high values are more desirable.

GROWING CONDITIONS

In fall 2022, wheat was planted at four out of five locations within 14 days of the fly-free date. Fall growth was limited by lack of rainfall, but entered dormancy in good condition. Cool temperatures and adequate subsoil moisture led to a long grain fill period and high-yielding conditions. However, grain moisture was higher and harvest dates were later than normal. Dry conditions in May resulted in lower-than-average disease incidence, and insufficient data at the disease nursery to provide FHB ratings. Grain yield averaged between 86.1 and 125.6 bu/acre among the five locations.

RESULTS

Results of the 2023 wheat performance test are presented in Tables 1-3. Entries in the data tables are arranged by seed source. A least significant difference (LSD) value can be used to determine if the performance of two varieties was statistically different. The yields of two varieties are expected to be significantly different 90 percent of the time if their yields differ by more than the reported LSD value. Flour yield and softness tests were performed by USDA-ARS Soft Wheat Quality Laboratory, at OARDC in Wooster, OH, Dr. Byung-Kee Baik, Director.

Test results for the 74 winter wheat varieties evaluated in 2023 are presented in Table 1. Tables 2 and 3 contain multi-year variety performance data. Depending on variety and test site, yields varied between 70.9 and 139.0 bushels per acre and test weight ranged from 57.1 to 61.1 pounds per bushel. Yield differences between test sites were due primarily to the soil drainage, weather during the grain fill period and harvest, and disease level. Variety selection should be based on disease resistance, average yield across test sites and years (Tables 2 & 3), winter hardiness, test weight, and standability. Table 4 includes grain quality (flour yield and softness) and disease information.

Table 5 contains the company contact information and seed treatments used for each variety entered in the 2023 wheat performance test.

Inclusion of varieties in the Ohio Wheat Performance Test does not constitute an endorsement of any variety by The Ohio State University, Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center, or Ohio State University Extension.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Acknowledgments: We thank our farmer cooperators for their contributions to the 2023 wheat variety testing program. We are grateful for the assistance provided by Ken Scaife, OARDC Field Operations, Wooster, and Matt Davis, OARDC Northwest Branch Research Station. Special thanks to Rich Minyo, OARDC Wooster, for his assistance and expertise in conducting the 2023 Ohio Wheat Performance Test.

7/2023
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Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Jacqueline Wilkins, Interim Director, Ohio State University Extension.